Key programming issue

[Mossyboy1978]

Hi all

One of my keys seems to have stopped working. Have changed batteries etc but here is the odd thing.

When I do the reprogramming sequence all works fine but the key that was working (used to turn on ignition for reprogramming sequence), then stops working and the one I programme, is fine. Then I try the sequence with the one that has stopped working, and that one is fine, and the other one won’t work anymore.

Basically I can only ever have one of the two keys working!

Anyone got any ideas??

Thanks

Mossy

[moltuae]

It's a long time since I tried reprogramming remote key fobs myself but, according to my notes, these are the correct procedures that worked. I do remember it's a bit of a faff, and it can take several attempts to get it right, especially if you have 2 or more fobs to program.

(Note the additional step required to program multiple remote fobs)

Key Fob Programming
VW/ Audi/ Seat/ Skoda

Remote Control Programming (1997 ON)
Procedure
1. Switch Ignition ON and leave key in the ignition.
2. Mechanically lock the vehicle using the Drivers door using a second key
3. Using the remote control press the Unlock button once, and the horn will sound once.
4. Wait 6 seconds and press the unlock button once to activate the coding procedure. The remote control will now be programmed.
Note: When performing programming on additional remotes the procedure is exactly the same, except you press the unlock button 2, 3 or 4 times for different remote.
For example: If programming 2 remotes press the unlock button twice with a 1 second interval between each press, repeat for 3 and 4 remotes.
5. Switch ignition OFF.
6. Remove key from ignition and check for operation.
7. The coding procedure can be repeated up to 4 times for additional remotes.
8. The ignition must be switched OFF between programming each remote control.

Remote Control Erasing (1997 ON)
Procedure
1. Switch ignition ON and leave key in the ignition.
2. Mechanically lock the vehicle using the Drivers door using a second key.
3. Press the remote control unlock button 5 times in 1-second intervals.
A short horn will sound.
4. Wait 6 seconds and press the unlock button once to activate memory erase.
5. Switch ignition OFF, all remotes are now tuned in..

[moltuae]

I also found this in my notes, but I don't think I've ever tried it (I'm not even sure where this info originally came from):

Remote programming with VAG-COM

For this procedure, you must have
1) VAG COM
2) A laser cut key (just one is "needed")
3) Up to 4 compatible remotes to program

Procedure for matching remote controls to most VW & Audi vehicles:

Under "Select Control Module"

"Select"

"46 - Cent. Conv." or "35 - Cent. Locking" (depending on year and make/model)

"Adaptation - 10"

First enter channel "00" as this will set all settings back to factory.

Enter channel "01" (Again "21 depending on make/model).

"Read"

This is supposed to display the number of currently stored remotes in "Stored Value". But you may get 0.

According to Ross-tech, this is what you must do next which is the part that messes everyone up - "Enter your total number of keys up to a maximum of 4 (including any existing keys) in 'New Value.'" Do not do that. Instead, for your first remote just put in a one.

"Test"

Verify that the number in "Test Value" is the one you entered.

Now this is another place that Ross-tech tells you to do something that doesn't work... They tell you to hit the "Save" button, but what are you saving? Absolutely nothing!! Notice up at the top it should say something along the lines of "Key Adaptation." If it says this, you have 15 seconds to push the unlock button on your remote (hold for two seconds) or until it says "Key learned." NOW is where you hit save.

"Save"

It should now ask if you are sure you want to save. Of course you do.

The procedure also says right about now that the car will give you some kind of sign that the remote was learned such as a (lights flash, horn beep, etc.) but as long as the VAG-COM said "learned" it will be fine.

But for remote number two pretty much follow the same above for number one. Now you actually have to put in 2 for test value, 3 in test value for the third and 4 for the fourth. I hope this makes sense. It seems like it will overwrite the last remote but it does not...

Also, here is some helpful info for your programming... In order to find if your remote works with your car and you can use it, go to "Measuring Block" 006 - Go! and look at field 2... There should be four bits in this field (all 0000)... Hit a button on your remote, one of the bits should now change to a 1 depending on the button you hit! I don't know what measuring block it will be for the other cars.

[Mossyboy1978]

That’s brilliant thank you. Will give it a go later on.

[The_Laird]

I’m trying the above process (not VCDS) but with no joy at all. I’m confused at 2 points: at which press of the unlock button do you push it more than once; and do you press it twice for the second key as you obviously already have one key that works to have got into the car. Or, if you want a total of 3 keys to work, do you press it 3 times for each programming?

And which key is being programmed? The one in the ignition I assumed, but that could be wrong, I suppose.

I know something is working as, although I’ve failed to programme a second key, another key that previously worked, doesn’t any more!

[steamship]

Reading through Marks instructions, I believe you are right that it is the key in the ignition that is being programmed. Since you already have a key that works, and that is the one being used on the door, then any additional keys being programmed will require multiple presses. If that theory is correct, then programming a second (2) key should be as follows:

1. New key in ignition and turned on
2. Lock car with working key
3. Press unlock button once and horn will sound (if you have a working horn), but you'll have the indicators flash anyway
4. Wait 6 seconds and press the unlock button, wait one second and press unlock again
5. Switch ignition off
6. Remove key from ignition and try.

If you're programming a third key, then point 4 requires 3 presses, one second apart, and a fourth key requires 4 presses, one second apart.

The only thought I have is how the key memory positions are determined. i.e. does it just fill the 4 memory locations in sequence as you program them, or does it fill them based on the number of presses at point four in the process.

If you have VCDS, I think you can check to see how many memory positions are occupied, and I think it can tell you what position the current key is in.

UPDATE: Decided to see if I could find where the key information is stored. Within VCDS, go to to Address 35, Central Convenience. Go to Measuring Blocks (08) and then select Group 003. In the second field, you'll see a 4-digit binary number. Any number with a 1 indicates that a key is stored in that position. I haven't figured out if it can identify which key is being used, as I need to find my other keys.

[ainarssems]

It does not matter which key is in ignition if you are only programming the remote part as only immobilizer part is read by the coil around ignition lock.

Also, if you are just resyncing remote that was already coded to car, you do not need follow the full procedure, this is only for new remotes. For resyncing the key that was already coded but has lost sync, for example if buttons have been pressed too many times while out of range, just lock the car turning key in the door, then press lock button on remote. If it was paired but then removed, then will need full procedure again.

[HPsauce]

I think, from information "gleaned" elsewhere Jim has 3 keys and has somehow messed up the immobiliser so one works (fully) and the other two not at all - they will not unlock remotely and when starting the car with them the engine dies immediately.
VCDS scan required.....

[The_Laird]

I really appreciate you guys giving up your time with this, but still no luck, I’m afraid. The second key that worked initially has magically begun to work, in that it starts the car, which keeps running, and the immobiliser symbol goes out. But Ainars’ advise to re sync the remote doesn’t work. And, Sean, there is no group 003, just 000, 001 and 002.

Still, at least I now have 2 keys that wil, start and run the car

[HPsauce]

That sounds like the second key resynced after whatever you do with the lock (one of mine did that a while back) but a VCDS scan really will tell you......